St. Augustine Grass
Stenotaphrum secundatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, sensitive to severe cold and frosts which induce winter dormancy.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Variety / Cultivar
'Floratam' or 'Palmetto', known for coarse texture and shade adaptation
About This Grass
Forms a dense, coarse-textured, blue-green to dark green turf. Unmowed height can reach 6 to 12 inches, but typically maintained at 2.5 to 4 inches. Produces flat, upright seed spikes at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse blade width (greater than 4mm), flat shape, rounded or blunt tips, blue-green to dark green color, folded vernation in the bud, prominent midvein. Short membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, absent auricles, and continuous collar.
Root System
Moderately deep fibrous root system originating from nodes on the stolons. Prone to thatch accumulation under high fertility and moisture. Establishes rapidly from sod, has moderate drought tolerance, and recovers well via vigorous above-ground stolons.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Gulf of Mexico region, coastal areas of the southeastern United States, and tropical regions worldwide. Performs best in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous, spreading rapidly via thick surface runners (stolons) to form a dense, coarse mat or sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade (more shade tolerant than most warm-season grasses). Needs regular watering, requiring about 1 inch of water per week. Moderate to good drought tolerance by entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 inches using a rotary mower. Mow every 7 to 14 days during the active growing season. Fertilization needs are moderate to high (2 to 5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Requires periodic dethatching and core aeration. Maintenance level is medium.
Special Characteristics
Good shade tolerance for a warm-season grass, moderate wear and traffic tolerance, low salt tolerance (moderately high compared to other grasses), susceptible to chinch bugs and large patch disease, excellent erosion control in coastal areas.
Ecological Information
Introduced to many regions globally as a turfgrass. Provides moderate wildlife cover, stabilizes coastal and sandy soils effectively, and can become invasive in tropical or subtropical natural habitats if left unmanaged.